Quick and easy ways to respond to annual update of electoral register

The Isle of Man Government is introducing further improvements to help people to respond to the 2018 update of the electoral register.

Registration forms are currently being sent to all Island properties in order to collect the information required to maintain an accurate record of eligible voters.

For the first time, people will be able to respond online if they wish to notify the Government of any changes to the details printed on their form.

This follows the innovations introduced for the 2017 annual canvass that enabled responses to be submitted online or via telephone or text message if a household’s information remained unchanged.

The further development of new ways of responding is aimed at making the process simpler and more convenient for residents, as well as generating efficiencies for Government.

People still have the option of advising the Electoral Registration Unit of a change in their circumstances by completing and signing the paper form and returning it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

Electoral Registration Officer Della Fletcher said: ‘An accurate electoral register is vital to the integrity of the Island’s democratic process. We need to capture changes of address and any revisions to the list of householders eligible to vote or serve on a jury. It is also important to note that not being registered can affect a person’s credit reference history and potentially result in an application for a mortgage, loan or mobile phone contract being refused.’

She added: ‘The recent improvements are designed to make the annual canvass much quicker and easier for everyone. With a phone call, text or a few clicks online, people can let us know in less than 60 seconds if their details remain unchanged. Anyone who does need to notify us of a change can now do so online or by posting back their form. I would encourage as many people as possible to respond using their phones or devices.’

It is a legal requirement to respond to the annual canvass, even if an individual chooses not to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Forms will be sent to all households currently listed on the electoral register and to ‘The Occupier’ at properties with no registered electors.

The deadline for responses to the 2018 annual canvass is 18 March.

Further information about the electoral registration process and who is eligible to vote can be found on the Government website or by contacting elections@gov.im or tel: 685754.